1997 Porsche Boxster - "The Dean" James Dean 550 Spyder Tribute in Auburn, IN

To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Auburn Fall event, September 1-4, 2016.

Chassis No.
WP0CA2983VS622618

Estimate:
$ 55,000 - $ 75,000 US

Affectionately applied with the moniker of “The Dean” - this is a James Dean Porsche 550 Spyder–inspired, one-of-a-kind, 1997 Porsche Boxster that was “coachbuilt” in 1999 by Mark Schlachter, of Metalkraft Coachwerkes, one of the top coachbuilders in the country. With reminisces of "Little Bastard," James Dean’s final ride on September 30, 1955, this machine recalls the one being driven by the 24 year old to a competition in Salinas when he had his fateful intersection with Donald Turnupseed’s Ford.

The Boxster has a mid-engine, water-cooled 2.5-liter flat six-cylinder engine which has been “chipped” and tuned with a FABspeed Sport Exhaust to increase the horsepower from 301-hp to 330-hp, plus it adds a beautiful, throaty racing sound. This unit is matched to a five-speed manual transmission and “The Dean” has been lowered 1.5-inches with H&R ride height springs.

The styling features include coachbuilt metal fenders featuring modified Mercedes “E” Class headlights, custom fiberglass “one-off” front and rear bumper covers, modified decklid (356 air intake grilles and spare tire shown like on the 550 Spyder),rear spoiler, leather decklid straps, custom center fill racing fuel cap, custom Ruf GT3 seats made to order in Boxster Red, Ruf 18- X 8- and 10-inch wheels, TechArt side rockers, TechArt side intake vents, TechArt steering wheel and TechArt lighted “Dean” threshold plates, and custom aluminum “Dean” front skid plate.

"The Dean” was the 911 & Porsche World cover story, “Boxster Tricks,” in May 2002 on pages 87 to 92. It was featured again in 911 & Porsche World in May 2005, in an article “Country Road”, on pages 102 to 107. It was also featured in “European Car” in 2006. There is a real Nurburgring badge with the car and was earned when “The Dean” made three laps of the vaunted Nordschleife in 2003.

“The Dean” has won many Porsche shows and events including Porsche Parade, Southern California Drive-In. It was picked one of “Top 5” at the Hershey Pennsylvania Porsche meet in 2005 and has been featured at the VW Porsche Reunions in Cincinnati, Ohio from 2002 to 2015.

“The Dean” was exhibited at the Essen Motor Show in Essen, Germany in 2003 and at the entrance to the Ritz Carlton at the Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance in 2003 to 2005. It was also featured in the TechArt Show Room in Leonberg, Germany before the Essen Motor Show. Truly, this represents an opportunity to acquire a unique, one-of-a-kind specialty Porsche for your collection and your pleasure.